In view of threat perception, the Union government has upgraded the security cover of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad from 'Z' to 'Z plus' with Central Reserve Police Force cover in Bihar and New Delhi with immediate effect.

''The security arrangements of Lalu Prasad, minister of railways have been reviewed in this ministry and it has been decided that the security cover of Prasad may be upgraded from 'Z' to 'Z plus' with CRPF cover in Bihar and Delhi with immediate effect,'' the order signed by V P Singh, under secretary (VIP security), PM Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi said.

Copies of the order, issued on December 1 were sent to the CRPF Director General J K Sinha, special commissioner of police, Delhi police, B K Gupta, besides Bihar Chief Secretary G S Kang and joint director of Intelligence Bureau Renuka Mutto.

Sufficient number of uniformed guards at Prasad's residence and office keeping in view the topography of the place would be provided for his stepped up security. Two escorts of strength 1 to 3 with automatic weapons and light bullet proof jackets for mobile protection would also be provided, the order said.

Lalu would have two personal security officers round-the-clock with one in uniform with automatic weapon and other with a concealed small arm in plain clothes, besides two watchers at a time during day and one at night, the order said.

He would move in a bullet-proof car wherever available for road journeys with commandos carrying fire power and one inspector/sub-inspector of police in charge of security arrangements round-the-clock. The perimeter wall and fencing of sufficient height and adequate perimeter lighting, besides access control measure, searching, frisking, screening and communication staff - two at a time, including a lady officer in three shifts, would have to be ensured for Lau's stay at any place. Regular and thorough anti-sabotage checks of the places of stay/office and venues of functions to be attended by the VIP should be carried out by trained police/security personnel by visual means and with the help of technical equipment and sniffer dogs depending on availability, according to the order.

Some of protectees in the 'Z plus' category may also require round teams at the venues of public functions, depending on the local threat perception and photo identity cards should be made mandatory for all personnel/household staff at office or residence of 'Z' special category of protectees, official sources said.

Kang said Lalu, who would be staying at 10, Circular Road, the house allotted to former chief minister Rabri Devi after being asked to vacate the sprawling 1, Anne Marg house for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, would have full security in accordance with the his security status.

''The house is being repaired and heights of the wall would be raised. The house is likely to be ready within a week,'' he said.